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Moneyscalp Forest, Down

Badger Rating 3.6/5

A compact forest but a number of well-trodden technical XC and downhill tracks within its perimeter. Has hosted lots of races, and was once the Mecca of Northern Ireland MTB - still lots of good stuff.

Getting There

*** FOREST COMPLETELY CLOSED TO EVERYONE DUE TO TREE DISEASE. PLEASE RESPECT THE SIGNS AND STAY OUT OF THE FOREST, AS GOING IN AND THEN RIDING SOMEWHERE ELSE CAN SPREAD THE DISEASE AND REQUIRE MORE FOREST CLEARING ***

Moneyscalp is about a mile from Bryansford village on the right just at the junction with the B180 to Rathfriland, just across the across the road shortly after the Tollymore Mountain Centre. Park in the carpark up the side road to the South West of the forest.

Trail Description

A compact forest but a number of well-trodden technical XC and downhill tracks within its perimeter. Once the Mecca of NI mountainbiking...

Reviews for this trail

Good bit of fun! beats tollymore any day.. 2 good runs worth the run from carrick.. Not a load of jumps but good technical stuff all the same.

Adam: about 7 years ago

Rating:3 badgers

nice short and easy climb to the top (even for me) or push up and then good technical descent to the bottom. Seems to stay dry most of the time as well, even if it has been raining. Plenty of lines to choose from although none are smooth; expect roots, rocks, drops and a couple of jumps at the bottom. Would be more suited to a long travel bike but plenty of people use xc bikes which makes you work all the way to the bottom! Could easily spend a couple of hours here as recent building/maintenance has tidied things up allowing it to flow better, especially the drops and berm at the end.

Sammyb: about 9 years ago

Rating:4 badgers

Good selection of lines down from top to bottom and layout allows you to push up and cross over and choose features that match your skill level/bike. Caters for everyone right up to the Downhill nutters that can do the jump at the bottom!
The top half gets pretty water logged in wet weather, the bottom half (the fun bit) is grand most of the time.
Probably would keep DHers occupied for longer than XCers.

Colin: about 10 years ago

Rating:3 badgers

Very good even for a 12yr old beginnerish dh'er on a hardtail. But as it's one of the only trials I've ever ridden and I'm sure there's better it deserves a 3.

Monty: about 10 years ago

Rating:3 badgers

Great place to learn about dh racing and riding some tough pedaling or pushing up but the downward slope is fantastic tight corners in the trees and then out onto rocky section finishing with the make or break of all jumps.

Andy Mc: about 10 years ago

Rating:4 badgers

Short, sharp, DH runs with plenty of jumps and drops.

Bloom: about 10 years ago

Rating:4 badgers

Probably built 90% of all the trails that has ever been raced on. It is a great place for a days riding from beginner to expert. Many of the trails are trashed though due to Trials bikes and the lack of maintenance.
The so called Water jump however has faded away over the years but it is still good for a bit of fun.
Always liked racing there as it was plenty of fun.

Smurf: about 10 years ago

Rating:4 badgers

Moneyscalp is still great for a day's DH. It's a little more cut up than it used to be thanks to the trials guys, but catch it on a dry day and you'll have a really good day out. Not as much fun after heavy rain. Around 5-6 trails to choose from it's a perfect destination for beginners / novices but with enough quick bits and big jumps to keep the experienced happy too.

Also the location of the legendary 'WATER JUMP' , which for a decade has been the difference between a Beginner and a Downhiller.

Jumpasaurus: about 10 years ago

Rating:4 badgers

You are actually allowed to ride here!

The D/H course for he 2007 winter series (2 routes) were here. Not a huge height loss, but some drops jumps and drops and bermy bits. Right beside Tollymore too...

NOTE: The trails on this site have been ridden before,
but you should not interpret their inclusion as an indication
that mountain-biking is officially sanctioned on them.
Seeking permission from landowners is your own responsibility,
as is conducting yourself in a manner that is courteous,
respectful to the environment, and conscious of the safety of others.